Sunday, January 16, 2011

NSF REU program at La Selva Biological Station



Seeking exceptional students for the NSF REU program at La Selva Biological Station

Note: January 31st deadline for application to the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates program (June 12 - August 5)!

This program offers students an exceptional opportunity to conduct an independent field research project in tropical ecology under the one-on-one mentorship of an experienced tropical biologist. During 8 weeks in residence at the La Selva Biological Station in the lowland rainforest of Costa Rica, a multicultural group of American and Costa Rican undergraduates will learn to design, implement, and report their own research projects, interact with dozens of internationally respected researchers and attend their seminars, and participate in valuable workshops on field techniques, research ethics, and statistics.

In the interest of providing unique opportunities for a diverse cohort of exceptional students, undergraduates that are from underrepresented backgrounds, non-R1 schools, and OTS consortium schools are highly encouraged to apply. Ideal applicants will have had 2 upper-level biology courses and can demonstrate a strong interest in conducting biological research in the tropics. Student expenses are covered and students will receive a stipend.

Information about the program, including the potential project ideas and mentors for the 2011 program are available at: http://www.ots.ac.cr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=317&Itemid=468

Should you have any questions please contact the OTS Undergraduate Program Assistant (kattia.mendez@ots.ac.cr) or the OTS/NSF REU Coordinator (stynoski@gmail.com).

Sunday, January 9, 2011

2011 GCRL Summer Field Program - Applications being accepted!

The Gulf Coast Research Lab 2011 Summer Field Program offers students an opportunity to earn college credit during four sessions from May through August. Classroom sessions take place on the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's 50-acre waterfront campus. Field work is done on the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi's barrier islands, Mississippi Sound, and adjacent coastal waters. More information is in the poster below and at their website.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Assistant Naturalists at the Highland Nature Center



Assistant Naturalists
Wage: $8.50/hour, group housing, and possible college internship credit.
Hours: Seasonal full-time (40 hours per week, no overtime available, Saturdays and some evenings required). Position dates are May 17 - August 20, but some flexibility may be possible.

Description: Two Assistant Naturalists help with daily operations of the Highlands Nature Center. Primary duties include working with the public to interpret the natural history of the southern Appalachians and related Nature Center exhibits, answering questions about local natural areas and recreational opportunities, actively developing and teaching several environmentally-based educational programs for both children and adults, and serving as co-counselor for a series of Nature Day Camps for children ages 4 to 14. Staff will also assist with the implementation of weekly special evening programs for the public. Work also involves the feeding, cleaning, general care, and interpretation of live animal exhibits (mainly reptiles and amphibians). Other general duties are also the responsibility of all Nature Center staff and include word processing; maintaining program schedules; participant registration; handling money; cleaning and maintaining exhibits, bathrooms, and animal enclosures on a daily basis; empty trash and recycling bins; care of live plants; etc. Summer staff may also be occasionally asked to assist other Station employees in the office, library, or Botanical Garden. These jobs may include heavy lifting (no more than 50 lbs.). Assistant Naturalists work a 40-hour week, but the schedule will require flexibility including weekend and some evening work.

Qualifications: Applicants should be majors (or recent graduates) in biology, zoology, botany, environmental science, science education, outdoor recreation, or other related fields. Proficiency in dealing with the public is a must. Ideal candidates should have experience working with children, familiarity with (or enthusiasm to learn) a variety of environmental education activities such as Project WILD, and experience caring for animals. A basic knowledge of the flora and fauna of the southern Appalachians is also desirable. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a valid driver’s license, and must be in good physical condition to lead hikes. Willingness to work a flexible schedule is a must. Non-smokers are preferred.

To apply: A State of North Carolina job application (PD107) MUST be completed (available on website). Send application, cover letter, and a list of 3 references to Patrick Brannon, Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. Sixth Street, Highlands NC 28741. Applications must be received by March 30, 2011. For more information, please call 828-526-2623 or visit www.wcu.edu/hbs.